The Minnesota Wild have recalled defenseman David Jiricek from the Iowa Wild of the American Hockey League as a precautionary measure ahead of their game against the Ottawa Senators on Saturday. This move comes as veteran defenseman Jonas Brodin is considered questionable due to an injury sustained during Thursday’s 5-2 victory over the Dallas Stars. Although Brodin finished the game, his availability for the upcoming match remains uncertain.
Wild head coach John Hynes addressed the situation during an optional practice at TRIA Rink on Friday, stating, “He did come back and finish, but we need the insurance with (Brodin) being questionable and the back-to-back.” The team is currently navigating a busy schedule, playing three games in four days.
Jiricek, acquired in a trade with Columbus last season, has already seen action in twelve games with the Wild this season, in addition to ten games with the Iowa Wild. Hynes noted that progress has been observed in Jiricek’s performance, particularly after earlier critiques regarding his decision-making during training camp and preseason. “He’s coming along. The big thing with David is he’s got to play more than he has the last few years,” Hynes explained. “Just the intricacies of the game, for a defenseman to get more and more comfortable. He’s gone down (to Iowa) with a very good attitude. He’s played well.”
Brodin, who missed the opening game of the season due to summer surgery, has since participated in 30 consecutive games, contributing three goals and nine assists to the team. Meanwhile, Marco Rossi, a forward for the Wild, has also been in practice and is now considered day-to-day as he recovers from an injury that sidelined him for the past month. Although Rossi will not be available for the matchup against Ottawa, Hynes indicated he could potentially return when Minnesota hosts the Boston Bruins on Sunday.
Historic Matthews Arena Set to Close
In a related note, Wild general manager Bill Guerin shared his reflections on Matthews Arena, the historic venue in Boston that is set to close after over a century of use. Originally opened in 1910, Matthews Arena was the oldest ice arena still in operation until its recent announcement regarding demolition and the construction of a new facility by Northeastern University, which is expected to open in September 2028.
Guerin, who hails from Boston, reminisced about the arena’s atmosphere, stating, “They were always such a gritty team to play against, and the building was just so tight. People were right on top of you. Just a classic, great building. It will be missed, for sure.”
With an original capacity of 5,000, Matthews Arena served as the home for the Boston Bruins from 1924 until the opening of the Boston Garden in 1928. The venue also hosted games for the NBA’s Boston Celtics prior to their permanent relocation to the Boston Garden in 1955.
In 1946, Matthews became the primary home for Northeastern hockey, while other local colleges, including Boston College, Boston University, and Harvard, also competed there before moving to their respective modern arenas.
The new arena planned for the site will seat just over 4,000 spectators, marking a significant change for the historic hockey landscape in Boston. As the Wild prepare for their game against the Senators, they will also carry on the legacy of their past, influenced by the memories of venues like Matthews Arena.
